LONG YEARS PASSING
The years sure pass quickly. It is a different world today than it was even 20 years ago, let alone a century ago. A former student from the 40s, the renowned ear nose and throat specialist Jack Kennedy, still partly practising, sent me the following cutting from his files:
For many years, the annual (Assumption) College magazine featured student’s diary notes. The notes from March and April nearly a century ago reveal a far simpler and less complicated time. It was an era of resilience, gratitude for little things and community pride. There were no government handouts or freebies, and state and federal politicians put the people well ahead of self-intent.
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Sport has always played a pivotal role in Australian colleges and Assumption has been well to the fore in this respect. And there is no doubt the majority of ACK’s summer and winter sporting reps have gone on to lead successful and productive lives. I always considered the playing fields were important classrooms where valuable life lessons were learned. The pictures below belong now to a foreign country whose shores we will not reach again in this life.
PETER KEENAN
The footy legend Peter Keenan was a student at ACK in the 60s. From a renowned Yarrawonga family, a number of whom contributed much to the life and times of ACK including the late Jesuit Father Paul Keenan who captained the First XVIII and later became Rector of Xavier College. Peter played more than 200 games for Melbourne, North and Essendon in the 70s and early 80s before forging a lengthy media career.
A good man, and loyal collegian, Peter recently had a leg amputated and is undergoing rehab in Wangaratta where he is visited by many former classmates, friends, and football contemporaries. Best wishes to Peter for a good recovery.
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WELCOME VISIT
Really pleased to have a visit from Wallan sporting legend Robbie Fowler and two of his sons the other day. Since teenage days Robbie has been a stalwart of the town’s cricket and footy as a player, coach and official. A highly regarded electrician by trade, he is now very happy to have two of his boys, Campbell and Beau, learning the trade under his tutelage. Both lads graduated in recent times from ACK. Their sister Chelsea was a fine girl’s school captain four years ago. Robbie and his wife, Katia, a fine lady, are proud of their six offspring – four boys and two girls. The other boys are Bailey and Chase. The latter and a sister Bonnie are the youngest and twins. Chase is currently wicket keeper for the ACK First XI. Bonnie is a delightful young person loved by all who know her. The family is a fine cricketing one – with dad and the four boys all playing for Wallan. They are one of thousands of families across Australia totally devoted to the summer game. Bailey and Chelsea have both done a number of “Camp America” programs where each has been highly regarded for their commitment.
